This study is aimed at evaluating the disintegrant properties of starches obtained from cassava (Manihot esculenta), sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) and yellow corn (Zea mays). Matured tubers of cassava and potato were peeled, cut into smaller pieces, wet milled and their slurries washed severally with distilled water to obtain cassava and potato starches respectively. Matured seeds of yellow corn were steeped in distilled water for 24 h, wet milled and washed to separate the starch from the cellulose. The starches were dried at 50 ˚C after which they were characterized using standard methods. The starches at 10 % w/w were applied as disintegrants in the formulation of metronidazole tablets using wet granulation technology. Corn starch (British Pharmacopoeia) at 10 % w/w was used as comparing standard. The ibuprofen granules were evaluated for their micromeritic properties and thereafter compressed into ibuprofen tablets. Evaluation of the ibuprofen tablets for their physical properties, assay and dissolution studies were done using British Pharmacopoeia methods. Results showed that the materials extracted were starches, and they had a poor flow. The ibuprofen granules were flowable and compressible. Ibuprofen tablets compressed from these granules had good physical properties: minimal weight variation (604.00 ± 0.04 – 606.00 mg ± 0.03%), hardness (5.32 ± 0.41 – 6.33 ± 0.64 kgF), disintegration time < 15.00 min and friability < 1.00%. Assay and dissolution of metronidazole from the tablets complied with British Pharmacopoeia criteria. Cassava, potato, and yellow corn starches served as good disintegrants in ibuprofen tablet formulations.  Keywords: Disintegrant, starch, cassava, potato, corn, ibuprofen tablets

Therapeutic failure as a result of high incidence of fake, adulterated, counterfeit and substandard drugs usage is a major concern to health practitioners, drug regulatory agencies, drug consumers and the general public in Nigeria. The objective of this study was to carry out in vitro quality assessment/evaluation of ten (10) different brands of metronidazole benzoate suspensions that are marketed in Warri, Nigeria. Metronidazole benzoate suspensions (10 brands) were purchased from some pharmacies in Warri, Nigeria. They were checked for the label information on both the secondary and primary packages, physical examination of the primary containers for tampering/breakage of seal on cap, organoleptic properties, pH, sedimentation volume, flow rate, viscosity, redispersibility and content of active ingredient/assay using standard methods. Results obtained showed that the suspensions had the necessary information on their labels, the containers were not tampered with in order to access or change their content. All the brands tested showed good results for color variation, pH, viscosity, flow rate, sedimentation, and redispersibility. All the brands met with their label claims of metronidazole benzoate content based on British Pharmacopoeia specification [95 - 105 %] except one brand (MET-A), that failed. Generally, nine of the brands representing 90 % met with their label claim and can be considered fit for distribution and consumption.

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